US-Iran Tensions Escalate Ahead of Nuclear Talks

Tensions between the United States and Iran are escalating ahead of crucial nuclear talks in Oman, with President Trump reiterating that military action against Iran is an option if diplomacy fails. An adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader warned that Iran might expel International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors and relocate enriched nuclear materials in response to perceived threats from the U.S. The U.S. State Department has cautioned Iran against such actions, asserting they would contradict its claims of pursuing a peaceful nuclear program. As both nations prepare for negotiations, Iran continues to assert that its nuclear activities are for civilian purposes only, despite ongoing Western suspicions of a weapons program. The backdrop to these discussions includes the fallout from the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and Iran's subsequent exceeding of enrichment limits. Observers stress the importance of renewed dialogue to mitigate the risks of further escalation in the region.